Benzoic acid and its derivatives find various uses as raw materials in a range of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications. They are also used in the manufacture of many industrial chemicals, resins, plasticisers and dye stuff.
The presence of fluorine in an organic molecule can have a major effect on its physical properties and chemical reactivity. Around 20-25% of current drugs contain at least one fluorine atom due to the enhanced pharmacological properties this can promote.